HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Network Clinical Trials Units
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking to establish or operate HIV/AIDS clinical trials units. Eligible applicants typically include academic medical centers, research institutions, and clinical research organizations with the capacity to conduct rigorous clinical trials. The program is nationwide and supports research activities focused on HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and care through federally-funded clinical trial networks. Applicants must demonstrate strong research infrastructure, experienced clinical trial staff, and institutional commitment to HIV/AIDS research.
Key dates
- Apr 8, 2026 Applications open
- Jan 22, 2027 Application deadline in 223 days
- Dec 1, 2027 Award announced
- Dec 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) seeks to advance the National Institutes of Health (NIH) mission by supporting four Clinical Trials Networks (CTNs) each comprised of a Leadership and Operations Center, Statistical and Data Management Center, and Laboratory Center working with Clinical Trials Units (CTUs), to advance prevention and treatment research on HIV and HIV-associated diseases. CTNs will conduct randomized controlled clinical studies at CTUs testing innovative strategies and conduct implementation research targeted to end the HIV epidemic. This NOFO will solicit applications for CTUs providing scientific expertise to conduct these clinical trials and implementation research studies. Each CTU will include an administrative hub and domestic and/or international Clinical Research Sites to promote efficient utilization of resources and infrastructure. CTUs conduct multiple clinical studies, from more than one CTN, and can access, recruit, and retain relevant study participants. International studies produce crucial findings significantly benefiting Americans with or at-risk of HIV or HIV-related diseases.
Grant authorities that allow NIAID to forecast this opportunity are as follows: Sections 301 and 405 of the Public Health Service Act as amended (42 USC 241 and 284) and under Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance
- Project Narrative and Research Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Institutional Biosketches for Key Personnel
- Letters of Support from Institutional Officials
- Clinical Trial Protocol
- Specific Aims
- Facilities and Equipment Description
Program contact
- 👤 Division of AIDS
- 📧 sciops@niaid.nih.gov
- 📞 Please contact via e-mail.
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.855 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$438,527,853
-
$246,626,852
-
$204,359,786
-
$201,437,825
-
$200,221,259
-
$185,816,804
-
$180,737,624
-
$136,265,880
-
$116,817,868
-
$99,478,296
Top States by Funding
- CA 10 awards $818.8M
- WA 3 awards $684.0M
- MA 6 awards $602.8M
- NC 3 awards $446.4M
- NY 7 awards $375.8M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.855). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $4,073,812,529 | |
| 2025 | $4,378,235,639 | |
| 2026 est. | $4,299,426,996 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Academic medical centers, research institutions, and clinical research organizations with established HIV/AIDS research capabilities can apply. Your institution must have the infrastructure and staff to conduct federally-funded clinical trials.
What types of research activities does this program support?
The program funds clinical trials focused on HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and care. Activities include patient recruitment, enrollment, and follow-up care within a coordinated national network.
What is the application timeline?
Applications open in April 2026. Specific deadlines and submission dates vary; check NIH's Grants.gov portal for exact timelines.
Is this a competitive grant?
Yes. The NIH receives many proposals and funds only the most scientifically rigorous and feasible applications. Strong preliminary data and experienced research teams significantly improve competitiveness.
What funding amounts are typical?
NIH clinical trial grants often range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars annually, depending on trial scope and patient numbers. Award amounts vary by proposal.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize your institution's HIV/AIDS research experience and track record with prior clinical trials.
- Detail your recruitment and retention strategies for HIV/AIDS patients in your geographic area.
- Clearly describe your clinical trial infrastructure, including equipment, facilities, and qualified staff.
- Align your proposal with current NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities found in their strategic plans.
- Build strong partnerships with community organizations and clinical sites to strengthen network capacity.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating the resources needed for patient recruitment, retention, and long-term follow-up in clinical trials. Proposing research without demonstrating institutional commitment or adequate infrastructure for rigorous trial implementation. Failing to address how proposed activities align with current NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities and network needs.
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